An International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine was officially launched in Rome today during the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference. The joint initiative by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, UNESCO and the European Commission, marks a significant step in placing science, research and innovation at the heart of Ukraine’s sustainable, inclusive and long-term recovery.
The launch was announced by the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini; the Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Yevhen Kudriavets; the European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva; and UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General, Lidia Arthur Brito.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said:
“Ukrainian scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are showing exceptional resilience. Many continue their work under Russia’s daily attacks or displacement. The European Commission does not only express its admiration - we offer them full support – because research and innovation must be part of Ukraine’s recovery.”
On this occasion, the Rome Declaration of Intent for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine was presented and signed by the founding members of the Coalition, officially marking its establishment.
Next steps
The Coalition aims to respond to both the urgent needs and long-term priorities of Ukraine’s research and innovation system. It will promote concrete actions to support Ukrainian scientists, drive reconstruction and modernisation, and reinforce the role of research and innovation in the country’s recovery. To achieve these goals, the Coalition will coordinate international efforts, set out a shared agenda for cooperation, and facilitate structured, ongoing dialogue between the Ukrainian government and its global partners.
Membership in the Coalition is open to governments, international organisations, research entities, academic institutions, foundations, development banks and private sector actors actively supporting Ukraine’s research sector. Interested entities are invited to join by agreeing to adhere to the Rome Declaration and submitting a formal request to the Secretariat at EC-R-I-COALITION-UA-SECRETARIAT@ec.europa.eu.
Several countries and organisations - including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and UNDP - have already joined the Coalition, alongside the founding members, signalling strong international commitment to this collaborative recovery effort.
Background
On 9 June 2022, the Agreement associating Ukraine to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme (2021-2027), and to the Euratom Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) entered into force. The Ukrainian research and innovation actors can fully participate in these programmes on equal terms with entities from the EU Member States. The Agreement applies with a retroactive effect from 1 January 2021.
Ukraine participates in the Horizon Europe and Euratom Programmes without having to contribute financially for the years 2021 and 2022 and there is a general encouragement to applicants to create opportunities for the Ukrainian research and innovation actors affected by war.
In addition, the EU has resolved to offer dedicated tangible support to the Ukrainian research and innovation community. This includes the establishment of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, EIT RIS Community Hub in Ukraine, as well as dedicated support under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the European Innovation Council.
Now in its fourth edition, the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference gathered governments, businesses, international organisations, financial institutions, and civil society representatives, united in their commitment to support Ukraine.
More information
Declaration of Intent for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine
Factsheet: International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation in Ukraine
International cooperation with Ukraine in research and innovation
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Details
- Publication date
- 11 July 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation